School social work in South Africa: Roles, responsibilities, and challenges in the Free State province

Marelize Vergottini; Mike  Weyers

doi:10.1921/jpts20242242

Authors

Marelize Vergottini North-West University, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6294-4619
Mike Weyers Previous Lecturer at North-West University, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7393-999X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts20242242

Keywords:

School social work, social work roles, expectations, responsibilities, challenges, South Africa

Abstract

The employment of social workers in South African schools has seen a significant upswing in recent years. However, the absence of standardised responsibilities poses challenges for these practitioners. A study was conducted to address the lacuna in formalised standards for social work services at the school level. Data were collected using a non-standardised questionnaire that focused on proposed functions, responsibilities, and challenges. Quantitative responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, while thematic analysis was used for written responses. The findings delineated a comprehensive profile of roles and responsibilities, along with the challenges encountered. As the first study of its kind in South Africa, it could serve as a foundational resource for establishing local practice standards. It could also benefit countries that are at a similar stage in the development of their school social work services.

Author Biographies

Marelize Vergottini, North-West University, South Africa

Dr. Marelize Vergottini has been a social worker for almost 25 years. The last 11 years of her employment she was employed in the education system and her interest in school social work started. She completed her PhD study in the field of School social work during 2018 and was recently appointed as a senior lecturer at the Northwest University, Vaal campus.

Mike Weyers, Previous Lecturer at North-West University, South Africa

Prof. M.L. (Mike) Weyers (now retired) was a researcher and lecturer in social work for nearly 40 years. He successfully supervised 23 post-graduate students; wrote or contributed to 34 articles published in accredited international and local scientific journals; wrote 8 books and chapters in books; and authored 27 presentations at international conferences. He was rated as a C2 researcher by the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) for the periods 2009 – 2014 and 2015 – 2020.

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